10 Chic Alternatives to Leggings for the Gym and Beyond

STYLE
By Gwen Stockton

Fed up with the same old leggings every time you hit the gym? You’re not alone! While leggings have been a workout staple for years, sometimes we crave variety in our fitness fashion. Whether you’re tired of the skin-tight feel or simply want to refresh your athletic wardrobe, plenty of stylish options exist. These alternatives offer both comfort for workouts and enough style to wear beyond the gym.

1. Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece Joggers

© Amazon.com

Sporty meets luxury with these tech-forward pants. The innovative fabric blend creates a lightweight yet warm feel that moves with your body during any activity.

Unlike traditional cotton sweatpants, these joggers feature a tapered fit that looks polished enough for coffee dates after your workout. The sleek side pockets don’t bulge when filled with essentials.

Fun fact: The unique thermal construction of Tech Fleece creates warmth without extra weight, making these joggers 40% lighter than traditional fleece while providing the same insulation!

2. Lululemon On The Fly Pants

© lulu fanatics

Business casual meets athletic performance in these versatile pants. Crafted from Lululemon’s signature Woven Luxtreme fabric, they resist wrinkles while offering four-way stretch that adapts to your movements.

The high-rise waistband features a hidden drawcord for a customizable fit without the bulky look of traditional drawstrings. Many wearers love the streamlined silhouette that transitions seamlessly from morning yoga to office meetings.

Originally designed for travel, these pants became a gym favorite when athletes discovered their breathability during intense workouts.

3. Under Armour Rival Knit Pants

© Amazon.com

Soft meets strong in these performance-driven knit pants. The brushed interior creates a plush feeling against your skin while wicking away sweat during intense training sessions.

What sets these apart is the ribbed cuffs that stay put during jumping exercises or stretches. The relaxed fit through the legs offers more breathing room than compression leggings, perfect for those who feel restricted in tight workout wear.

Athletes appreciate the anti-pill finish that keeps these pants looking new even after countless wash cycles and gym sessions. The mid-rise waist hits at just the right spot for comfort during squats and lunges.

4. Adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Pants

© Amazon.com

Iconic style meets practical comfort in these classic track pants. The signature three stripes running down each leg add a retro athletic vibe that’s currently trending in streetwear circles.

Made from soft French terry fabric, these pants offer a slightly heavier feel than leggings, perfect for outdoor workouts in cooler weather. The straight-leg design provides freedom of movement without clinging to your calves and thighs.

Did you know these pants were originally created for athletes in the 1960s but gained massive popularity in hip-hop culture during the 1980s? Today, they’re equally at home in the gym or paired with chunky sneakers for weekend errands.

5. Puma Evostripe Pants

© Amazon.com

Sleek engineering defines these modern workout pants. The innovative Evostripe technology creates panels that stretch in multiple directions, following your body’s natural movement patterns during complex exercises.

The slightly cropped length works wonderfully for showing off your favorite training shoes. Side zip pockets secure your phone and keys without the annoying bounce that happens with traditional pocket designs.

The breathable mesh panels strategically placed behind the knees prevent overheating during cardio sessions. Many trainers recommend these for HIIT workouts where unrestricted movement and temperature regulation matter most.

6. Reebok Studio Ribbed Pants

© Reebok

Texture takes center stage with these unique ribbed workout pants. The vertical ribbing creates a slimming effect while providing surprising stretch for barre, Pilates, and yoga flows.

Unlike flat fabrics, the ribbed construction offers gentle compression that supports muscles without feeling restrictive. The wide, fold-over waistband can be worn high for core support or folded down for a different look.

These pants gained popularity when celebrity trainers started wearing them for their Instagram workout videos. The subtle texture photographs beautifully while offering practical benefits during low-impact exercises that require precise form and controlled movements.

7. Athleta Momentum Jogger

© Athleta – Gap

Sustainable style meets performance in these eco-conscious joggers. Made from recycled polyester, they deliver butter-soft comfort while keeping plastic waste out of landfills.

The semi-fitted silhouette offers a happy medium between baggy sweatpants and skin-tight leggings. Quick-dry properties make these perfect for hot yoga or sweaty training sessions where moisture management matters.

Women especially love the thoughtfully designed waistband that doesn’t dig in or create the dreaded “muffin top” effect during forward bends or ab exercises. The ankle cuffs feature hidden zippers that allow you to quickly transform the pants from jogger to straight-leg style.

8. New Balance Accelerate Track Pants

© Amazon.ca

Speed-inspired design makes these track pants a runner’s dream. The lightweight, wind-resistant fabric shields your legs during outdoor workouts without the swishing noise of typical windbreakers.

Reflective elements cleverly integrated into the side seams increase visibility during early morning or evening runs. The ankle zips allow for quick on/off without removing shoes – a feature marathon runners particularly appreciate.

The relaxed fit through the thighs prevents chafing during long-distance training. A zippered back pocket securely holds your house key or ID card without creating uncomfortable pressure points when you’re logging miles on the treadmill or trail.

9. Fabletics Delancey Joggers

© Amazon.com

Celebrity-approved style defines these fashion-forward joggers. The crossover waistband creates a flattering V-shape that elongates your torso while providing comfortable coverage during deep stretches and inversions.

Moisture-wicking fabric with a subtle sheen transitions beautifully from spin class to social settings. The tapered legs create a streamlined silhouette that pairs perfectly with both athletic and casual footwear.

What makes these truly unique is the hidden inner pocket sized perfectly for your credit card and ID – no need for a separate wallet or bag during quick errands after your workout. The fabric blend contains a touch of spandex that maintains shape even after all-day wear.

10. Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pants

© Outdoor Voices

Adventure-ready functionality comes first in these trail-inspired workout pants. The water-resistant fabric sheds light rain and morning dew, making them ideal for outdoor boot camps or hiking-inspired fitness classes.

Unlike typical athletic wear, these feature a slightly structured fabric that holds its shape without clinging or bagging. The straight-leg cut offers a modern silhouette that works equally well for climbing stairs or climbing mountains.

The hidden waistband adjusters allow for a customized fit without external drawstrings or cords. Outdoor enthusiasts love that these pants resist snags from branches or rough surfaces during trail workouts, lasting far longer than traditional leggings in rugged conditions.